I always had a bit of a thing for Agassi growing up - I'm just a few years younger than him. The hype about the book - the headlines about drugs and how he 'hates' tennis intrigued me, but there is much more to the book - and Agassi - than that. As is more often the way than not, once the author is happy (happier?!) the book is less gripping, but still enjoyable and with the fairytale ending we all know. Interesting to read first hand that the issues of the famous are not just about being famous - much more mundane/ normal and as such - relevant. I think I should read more autobiographies!!
Helpful Score: 5
I wasn't sure I wanted to read the book, afraid I would be disallusioned about Agassi. But I don't regret reading it one bit. What an amazing person he grew into. I loved reading about his insight to the tennis world and what they put their bodies through. A great read.
Helpful Score: 4
WONDERFUL, WONDERFUL!! I tend to avoid autobiographies just because of the tediousness with which so many people recount their lives. But Agassi is a truly gifted writer, with extremely subtle life lessons sprinkled throughout his book. I loved watching him play tennis for so many reasons, and now I have an even deeper respect for him. There are a lot of "Oh, THAT'S why!!" moments for the reader, such as when and why Agassi adopted his trademark of blowing kisses to the crowd exactly 4 times as he exited the court, win or lose.
I highly recommend this read, even if you are not a fan of tennis. Agassi's feelings, fears, and obstacles are universal--for athletes AND non-athletes.
I highly recommend this read, even if you are not a fan of tennis. Agassi's feelings, fears, and obstacles are universal--for athletes AND non-athletes.
Helpful Score: 3
The first thing that hits you is how well it is written - then the detail with which Andre remembers events. Amazing!
Helpful Score: 3
I didn't think I would like reading a biography, but the writing style grabs you right away. Great story! Amazing person.
Helpful Score: 3
I'm not a fan of autobiographies, but as I have been a fan of Andre Agassi's since I was a kid, I decided to give it a shot. I was pleasantly surprised--Mr. Agassi is a very talented writer, which has to be another natural talent of his since, as he says, he didn't do well in school and didn't even get through high school. He is a natural story teller and he was very open and honest about his life, the good and the bad. There were many times that I laughed out loud as I was reading and times when I felt like crying with him. A very clear case of public perception and the media turning things into something they are not and of society being only too willing to jump on the wagon. It was interesting to hear his story and it was told in a way that kept you interested. If he were to write more books, I'd definitely read them, no matter what genre they were.
Helpful Score: 2
This book was a total surprise, in that it was so well written...who knew that a sports star could write with such insight and erudition. On one hand the book is filled with hilarious anecdotes of tennis matches we have all seen (I laughed out loud at times) and on the other hand, it is a thoughtful, sensitive portrayal of a young man's journey to find himself. I highly recommend it.
Helpful Score: 2
Surpisingly amazing! Who knew he could write like that? In my humble opinion, this book is superb!! I would recommend it to anyone.
Helpful Score: 1
I'm not sure why I decided to read this book but I'm glad I did. Even though I really have no interest in tennis, the book is really well written and you dont have to like the sport to like the book. Andre seems very honest and does a great job of describing the "characters" throughout his life - you feel like you know them too. I'm wondring if Brooke ever read this book? If so, I'm not sure she would like it as much as I did :)
Helpful Score: 1
By far one of the best sports biographies I've read. Even if you, as the reader, aren't aware of the rules that surround tennis, you can enjoy this book. Andre bares all.
Helpful Score: 1
Incredibly personal account of his life. Agassi shows a lot of courage to share so many intimate and painful details of his personal and professional life.
https://aymplaying.wordpress.com/2021/02/24/tennis-star-andre-agassis-autobiography-may-even-appeal-to-non-sports-fans/
This biography by Andre Agassiz is an astounding read. Agassiz opens his heart and tells his story, both the good and the bad. He is a sensitive, caring individual whose father was an ogre, driving him into tennis from the crib on. As a tiny baby his mobile was made of tennis balls and a paddle was attached to his hand to hit them. His father built a tennis ball machine (Andre called it the dragon) that shot balls at him quickly and constantly until he felt that Andre could quit. Consequently, Andre hated tennis but it was all he knew to do since he dropped out of school. However, he could pull every match out of his mind and talk about it in detail.
The reader sees Agassiz's frank appraisal of his romance and marriage with Brooke Shields. The two were far apart the things they really valued most about life. Brooke wanted to be the center of attention, loved parties, clothing, and the media. Agassiz was quiet, reflective, and reveled in quiet time with his friends. As talented as he was he often doubted himself, his goals and his game. When he was at his best few could beat him on the court but when life issues and his emotions ruled he found tennis difficult and the games a trial. I have always enjoyed watching him on the court so reading this biography gave me insight into the gentle and caring person that he is.
The reader sees Agassiz's frank appraisal of his romance and marriage with Brooke Shields. The two were far apart the things they really valued most about life. Brooke wanted to be the center of attention, loved parties, clothing, and the media. Agassiz was quiet, reflective, and reveled in quiet time with his friends. As talented as he was he often doubted himself, his goals and his game. When he was at his best few could beat him on the court but when life issues and his emotions ruled he found tennis difficult and the games a trial. I have always enjoyed watching him on the court so reading this biography gave me insight into the gentle and caring person that he is.
It is better than I thought it would be.
